Eight pound Forest Gabe Vandermeulen was born at 2:36am on Jan. 1 at Groves Hospital. He was the first baby born in Wellington County this year.
Proud parents are Holly and Gerald Vandermeulen.
The family was the recipient of a number of gifts arranged by the Welcome Wagon. Thirty-six Centre Wellington businesses participated in welcoming Forest by giving gifts to Welcome Wagon for the baby and his parents.
Welcome Wagon representatives Patti Klein and Helen Marucci presented two laundry baskets filled with presents to Forest and mom and dad on New Year’s afternoon.
“We weren’t expecting that at all,” said Gerald Vandermeulen in an interview on Jan. 4. “It was really neat. We’re really thankful.”
Forest, the first child of the couple, arrived early.
Vandermeulen said his wife is doing well, and the baby has already caused him to lose a little sleep.
The gifts ranged from gifts certificates, socks, teddy bears, and treats for mom, dad, and baby.
Vandermeulen noted that Forest arrived well ahead of schedule – he and Holly had expected him on Jan. 8. The couple lives on Sideroad 19 in Centre Wellington.
Palmerston and District Hospital had one baby born on Jan. 2 this year. There were no births at Louise Marshall Hospital by Monday afternoon.
